The show explores the real-life experiences of asylum seekers and refugees in twenty-first century Britain – how they got here, why they came, and what they have found.

Fred Wisdom and Charlie Davies performing in Migrant Voices

Based on in-depth interviews with Iraqi Kurdish refugees and asylum seekers, and with members of the host community,this new show combines live music and performance with video interviews and documentary material to show some of the harsh realities behind the media myths about asylum seekers.

About eight people jumped on me from behind and assaulted me. One of my mates called my dad. He came out and they jumped on my dad as well. They hit him with bottles on his head, on his face and he fell on the floor and two people jumped on him and hit him with bottles and kicked him.

Ali, an Iraqi Kurd recounts his experience in the UK at the opening of Migrant Voices

It tells of people who have fled their homes to escape torture and persecution but who have often found themselves the victims of racist abuse and intimidation, with insecure and badly paid jobs and substandard living accommodation.

The show also makes a link between refugees living in Britain and British intervention in Third World countries and demonstrates powerfully that “they” are often now over here because “we” were once over there.

Dave Rogers and Jilah Bakhshayesh performing in Migrant Voices

Migrant Voices chronicles the history of twentieth century Kurdistan to show how British military involvement in Iraq began the twentieth century onslaught on the Kurdish people, leading to their persecution by Saddam Hussein and the need to seek refuge in the UK.

Migrant Voices – which interweaves Middle Eastern and British musical traditions – also provides insight into the causes of the global instability that makes people refugees.

It presents an emotionally charged theatrical experience to set audiences thinking about the real reasons why people abandon their homes and families to seek refuge in the west.